Combining pdfs

[Carolyn23811798nw7b]

HI everyone, I've got a form that has preset spaces for information (names, etc).  I can fit four 'sets' of  information on the original document, but I need to extend the document to add in additional staff details.  I originally tried duplicating the page to give me 'extra' pages I needed, but all it did was repeat the original information.  It wouldn't let me save 'new' information.  So I've saved the 'extra' documents with different document names, but when I go to combine them (with all new staff info), it just keeps replacing the information for staff with the original two people that I entered info for.

I tried Portfolio, but all that did was list the individual documents in a row; it didn't allow for removing pages from the individual documents and creating just one document.  Does anyone know a work-around?  Cheers, Carolyn

[try67]

This is happening because the fields have the same names, so they will automatically have the same values.

The possible solutions are:

- Flatten the files before merging them,

- Rename the fields before merging the files,

- Or use a Portfolio.

[Luke Jennings3]

To elaborate on the good information above, duplicate the page and go to Tools> Prepare Form> Select a form field> Right click> Properties> General> Name: (give the field a unique name). Combine the page with the original page.

[Carolyn23811798nw7b]

Thanks TRY67 and Luke, I'll have to admit I've had no training in this, so I have a few follow up questions.

1.  How do I "flatten" a file?

2.  What fields do you mean - to rename?  Do you mean the name of the document or the fields that I'm entering information into?

So, total newbie here.

Cheers, Carolyn 

[try67]

1. You can use this script, for example as a part of a Custom Command, if you have Acrobat DC:

this.flattenPages();

2. The latter.

[Carolyn23811798nw7b]

Thanks for that.

[Luke Jennings3]

Here are some places to start;

https://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/using/pdf-form-field-basics.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJSVZWc413A

[Carolyn23811798nw7b]

Thanks Luke, will check the videos out.